Seasonal First People First Stewards Assistant Winter 23-24

About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: 
 
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways. 
 
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Program Coordinator II - First People First Stewards Assistant. 

The First People First Stewards (FPFS) partnership is a new effort for DCR to acknowledge and understand the role of DCR lands in the cultural continuity, public health, well-being and sovereignty of indigenous peoples. The Commonwealth has an opportunity to assist in the revitalization of traditional physical and cultural connections between indigenous communities and the land and waters they have stewarded for thousands of years. The intention of the partnership is to create a new dialog between DCR and indigenous peoples to create a good space for listening and hearing. The relationships are hoped to allow communication of appropriate traditional knowledge, protect cultural identities, and acknowledge and support indigenous perspectives as part of the DCR mission. 

The goal of FPFS is to support indigenous individuals, groups and communities by enhancing communication, improving equity, and access to DCR lands. The hope is to develop appropriate collaborative relationships as part of cultural and resource stewardship in a good way into the future. 

DCR seeks an intern with knowledge and personal connection to indigenous heritage within Massachusetts and New England to assist in developing and implementing appropriate communication to indigenous peoples through various media. 

Description of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The intern (FPFS Assistant) will be responsible for logistical coordination with the MA Commission on Indian Affairs, DCR staff, and others to set up virtual meetings, in-person meetings and other events. The FPFS Intern will assist DCR staff with developing program materials, including web pages, story maps, handouts, and other materials to facilitate appropriate communications. The intern may also be involved in researching models for staff training, land stewardship, interpretation, or other high priority actions identified by DCR in partnership with indigenous peoples.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills: 

The preferred candidate will have a solid understanding of indigenous culture and basic computer applications. Specifically: 

• Knowledge of indigenous culture and history in Massachusetts and New England 

• Experience working with indigenous communities 

• Excellent written and verbal skills (English language) 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Powerpoint 

• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat 

• Knowledge of website organization, experience creating online content  

• Familiarity with GIS StoryMap - DCR can train the selected candidate

This position will be hybrid, with combined telework (work form home) and in person work at DCR, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA. The candidate may be asked to attend in person meetings across the state.  

Start date: 11/12/2023

End date: 3/16/2024 

Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.

Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting.  Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.